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A Law Office Focused on BUSINESS & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LEGAL Challenges

Barbara I. Berschler, as a business lawyer and intellectual property attorney, has built a reputation for excellence by providing high-quality legal services to her business clients. Throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., Barbara Berschler brings more than 30 years of experience looking out for the needs of her business clients, whether they operate in the continental United States or internationally. The Berschler Law Office, located in Rockville, MD, can be easily reached by clients from Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Bethesda, North Bethesda, Rockville, the District of Columbia, Alexandria and Arlington Counties of Northern Virginia. Consultations by telephone are always welcome.

Attorney Barbara Berschler is dedicated to serving her clients with a full range of legal services focusing on business matters such as contracts and entity formation and intellectual property concerns related to trademark and copyright protection. If you would like assistance in developing creative solutions for your business and commercial challenges, the Law Office of Barbara I. Berschler will reach the heart of your matter.

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IP NEws & Other Musings

How can a band limit the use of its name by a former member? The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in Scholz v Goudreau examined a settlement agreement (“the Agreement”) signed by the remaining band members and Mr. Goudreau which sought to limit his future use of the band’s name “BOSTON.” With a change in the makeup of a band, as well as any business, defining the ways in which a former member may and may not use a band’s name is a serious matter. In this case the band tried to resolve the question by way of the Agreement. However, their problem was that the Agreement’s language was not broad enough to encompass all Mr. Goudreau’s possible uses. By way of example, the Agreement limited his use of the phrase “formerly of BOSTON” to when he provided biographical information. However, Mr. Goudreau allowed marketing information for his new band to use the phrase “original and founding member of the band BOSTON.” The takeaway from this case is: Definitely have a written agreement. But also, carefully choose the language describing use limitations so as to cover unforeseen situations.

Before adopting a new mark, a business owner should consider the Trademark Trial & Appeal Board (“TTAB”) ruling in Rebel Wine Co., LLC vs Piney River Brewing Company. The TTAB found that the registered mark “Masked Bandit” used in association with beer should be cancelled in light of the earlier registration of the mark “Bandit” which is used in association with alcoholic beverages except beer. The similarity of the marks weighed heavily on the side of Bandit. This, coupled with the similarity of the products and the channels of trade, clinched the decision. This example speaks volumes as to the care that should be taken by a business owner before choosing their mark to avoid a similar fate either during the USPTO application stage or even after obtaining a registration. For the full opinion click here.

The Copyright Office has proposed new filing fees. Since one goal is to cover the overall costs of the Copyright Office, most of the changes increase charges or add new fees. For example, the fee to file a standard application online would go from $55 to $75. A new fee would be charged for the recording of documents online, currently there is no fee but the cost would be $95. Should you wish to submit a comment to the Copyright Office the deadline is September 21, 2018. To read the proposed rule, click here.

Play-Doh hit the jackpot and became one of 13 active registrants who have successively registered a smell with the USPTO. The description of the scent reads like a review for wine, i.e., “slightly musky,” “overtones of cherry.” USPTO Registration Certificate

Not all trademarks need to be registered with the USPTO to obtain protection from infringement. According to a 5th Circuit decision, Viacom can claim common law trademark rights in the name “The Krusty Krab,” a fictional restaurant portrayed in Viacom’s animated TV series “SpongeBob SquarePants.” The Circuit Court affirmed a summary judgment against IJR Capital Investments which had adopted the same name for its seafood restaurants. More Details

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